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Bergen County Divorce Attorney Intentionally & Exclusively Focused on Family Law

Divorce Lawyer Bergen County

Dedicated Bergen County Divorce Attorneys with a Personal Touch

Our Bergen County divorce lawyers work one-on-one with clients to offer compassionate and respectful legal counsel. We know that this is a difficult time, and we can provide the resources and the support system you need to make sure your divorce is handled as smoothly as possible.

Unsurpassed Legal Support for Your Divorce

  • We have more than 25 years of legal experience.
  • We offer a free, private initial consultation.
  • We offer evening appointments, if necessary.
  • We promptly respond to our clients' questions and concerns.
  • We deliver client-focused representation.
  • We build customized agreements and case strategies.
  • We are highly respectable Bergen County divorce attorneys.

Call Sherwood, Johnson & Poles today at (888) 224-1218 or contact us online for a FREE consultation!

What Are Grounds for Divorce in New Jersey?

There are several different grounds for divorce in New Jersey, but adultery is the only reason which can abrogate the requirement that either spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least one year before filing. On the other hand, no grounds are needed to qualify for a legal separation.

Although fault may be used to file for a divorce, no-fault divorce is also an option, known as "irreconcilable differences" which were added to New Jersey’s divorce laws in 2007.

In addition to adultery, grounds for fault-based divorce include:

  • Desertion: Also known as marital abandonment, this occurs when one spouse willfully deserts the other spouse for a period of at least 12 months.
  • Addiction: You must prove that your spouse has been abusing drugs or alcohol for a year or more and it is ruining your relationship.
  • Institutionalization: This occurs when a spouse has been institutionalized for a mental illness that has lasted 2 years or more.
  • Imprisonment: This is valid only if the spouse is convicted to a prison sentence of 18 or more months after the marriage took place.
  • Deviant sexual conduct: this can be defined as conduct performed voluntarily by the defendant without the plaintiff's consent.
  • Extreme cruelty: Behavior that makes cohabitation unreasonable or impossible.

To file for divorce in the state, either of the spouses needs to have been a resident for at least a year before filing, unless the grounds for divorce is adultery. In such cases, the requirement is that at least one spouse must be a New Jersey resident for any length of time at all. If you have further questions about this, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Bergen County divorce attorney.

What are the Different Types of Divorce in New Jersey?

  • Uncontested Divorce: This is also known as a "no-fault" divorce. Both parties agree on the division of property and child custody/child support.
  • Contested Divorce: This is when a married couple cannot agree on division of assets, property, child support, child custody, and spousal support. The divorce will have to go before a judge to have the issues sorted.
  • Mediated Divorce: This type of divorce is the least traumatic for most couples going through a divorce. Agreements in the divorce contract are discussed with a third party attorney or divorce mediator.

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Divorce in NJ?

If you want to know how much your divorce will cost you, there is no straightforward answer. It will depend on a number of factors, such as how contentious the situation is between you and your spouse. Other factors that will affect the cost may include how many times you have to go to court, the degree of conflict, if there are any potential child custody disputes, and whether any particular complex legal issues are present. At Sherwood, Johnson & Poles, our Bergen County divorce attorneys aim to keep you informed regarding all facets of a divorce, including the costs involved.

Many believe that it is cheaper to file pro se, instead of retaining the services of an attorney. However, there are filing fees and court costs associated with filing pro se that could end up costing you more in the long run.

Some costs you should consider include:

  • The filing fee for divorce in New Jersey is $300.00. If you have to file any motions (applications requesting relief), you will be charged an additional $50.00 per motion.
  • There are other expenses: service of process, subpoenas, depositions, trial preparation, and costs associated with the retention and potential testimony of expert witnesses.

How to Manage the Costs in Divorce

It is important that you approach your divorce in a business-like manner. The sooner you are able to come up with satisfactory solutions for dividing assets, paying support (if necessary), and implementing a good parenting plan, the more peaceful and less costly your divorce proceeding will be.

While many individuals will try to cut costs by not securing legal representation, this is ill-advised. With such important things on the line as your children's future and your economic stability, it is imperative that you ensure your best interests are represented.

What Happens to Property and Children Before a Divorce Is Finalized?

You can file for temporary orders to decide who gets what during a divorce process and to ensure that your children maintain stability throughout the proceedings. The judge will issue a final order upon closure of the divorce that will supersede all temporary orders.

Exploring Alternative Dispute Resolution Options

While traditional litigation is one way to resolve divorce matters, there are alternative dispute resolution options that may be more cost-effective and less time-consuming. Our experienced Bergen County divorce attorneys can help you explore the following alternatives:

  • Mediation: A neutral third party helps facilitate communication and negotiation between you and your spouse to reach a mutually agreeable settlement.
  • Collaborative Divorce: Both parties and their attorneys work together to find solutions that meet the needs and interests of everyone involved.
  • Arbitration: An arbitrator acts as a private judge to make decisions on disputed issues, which can be binding or non-binding depending on the agreement.

By considering these alternative dispute resolution methods, you may be able to avoid the time, expense, and emotional toll of a lengthy court battle. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you choose the best approach for your unique situation.

We Proudly Offer Viable Alternatives

Besides assisting our clients through contentious litigation, we pride ourselves in offering collaborative divorce and mediation services as Bergen County divorce lawyers. Mediation is considered to be a more private and cost-effective route.

As members of the New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators, our attorneys have the training and skills to serve as your mediator and help you come to an agreement regarding matters such as high asset division, child support, alimony and spousal support, or other complex divorce matters.

If you do not wish to legally divorce – due to religious reasons, for example – we can help you petition for a divorce from bed and board or enter into a separation agreement with your spouse. Our Bergen County divorce attorney serves clients throughout New Jersey and is ready to guide you through this time. There are options available to you, no matter your story.

Social Media and Divorce

Although it might feel good to unload your frustrations into the social media void, doing so can have some serious ramifications. For example, if you have children, badmouthing your spouse in a scathing Facebook post will not do you any favors when it comes to child custody and visitation. 

Moreover, frequent emotional online outbursts will make you appear unstable. To avoid facing repercussions for someone else’s posts, ask those closest to you to respect your privacy and not post anything that might be directly or indirectly related to you.

Although your best option is to simply halt social media usage until your divorce is finalized, this might not be possible for some.

Here are some tips to consider if you choose to continue to use social media:

  • Tell your friends and family not to post about your divorce
  • Never discuss the details of your case online
  • Do not use the check-in feature or share your location
  • Do not repost memes about marriage
  • Do not post pictures of you out with friends or at a party
  • Do not post about any vacations you took or plan on taking
  • Do not post pictures or videos of your children engaging in activities your spouse would not approve of

If you post on social media about your divorce, it is very likely the judge will catch wind of this information. Posting negative, harassing, or defamatory comments about your ex-spouse will inevitably only make you look bad in the eyes of the court, and may even prove to show you as an unfit parent. 

Also, you must remember divorce is essentially about finances. If you are requesting alimony or denying being able to pay child support, yet you display living a lavish lifestyle, the judge will not be impressed by these displays.

All of these factors and more can be used against you, which is why it is essential you are advised by a Bergen County divorce lawyer such as ours at Sherwood, Johnson & Poles.

How Can A Divorce Attorney In Bergen County Help You?

If you are going through a divorce, our divorce attorneys in Bergen County are here to help. When you hire an attorney from Sherwood, Johnson & Poles, you are not only hiring a legal expert experienced in divorce but an individual who will go above and beyond to help ensure that the process is as smooth as possible for you.

A divorce attorney can help you in the following ways:

  • Paperwork: Filing all of your paperwork
  • Time: Helping to ensure that no mistakes are made that could potentially delay the process
  • Support: Supporting you psychologically and offering you emotional reassurance
  • Legal Counsel: Providing you with important legal information to help ensure that your rights are protected
  • Representation: Representing you if your case gets taken to court for various family-related matters

We have helped many couples going through a divorce. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our divorce attorneys in Bergen County, and to learn more about the many benefits provided by hiring an experienced attorney.

Related Pages

Additional Resources

Filing for divorce in New Jersey? Contact Sherwood, Johnson & Poles today at (888) 224-1218 or online to speak with our Bergen County divorce lawyer.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can a divorce be granted in New Jersey without stating specific grounds?

Yes, in New Jersey, a divorce can be granted based on irreconcilable differences without stating specific grounds.

What are the residency requirements for filing for divorce in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, at least one spouse must have been a resident for at least a year before filing for divorce, unless the grounds for divorce is adultery.

What is a mediated divorce and how does it differ from other types of divorce?

A mediated divorce involves discussing agreements with a third party, such as an attorney or mediator, and is considered less traumatic compared to other divorce processes.

Why Choose Sherwood, Johnson & Poles?

  • Personalized Approach For Every Case
  • Client- Focused Representation
  • Distinguished & Knowledgeable Attorneys
  • Evening Appointments Available
  • Over 25 Years of Combined Legal Experience
  • Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled